Health and Wellbeing

Many of us leave the Services with long-term injuries; mostly physical, but sometimes psychological.  And the system in civilian life is much more complicated than turning up to sick parade and then doing as you are told.  But while it often takes much longer than we have been used to, it doesn’t need to because the NHS has promised to fast-track Veterans with service-related conditions.

The first thing you will need to do when you leave the Services is find a GP; you will find most GPs in Scotland in this section.  If you don't currently have a doctor, use the GP locator to find one in your area.

Apart from the NHS, there are many Veteran-focussed charities ready to help, so make use of them if you need to.  You will find their details here too, so please explore this section; it has a lot to offer.

Priority treatment within the NHS in Scotland for a service related condition

Under long-standing arrangements since 1953, war pensioners are given priority NHS treatment for the conditions for which they receive a war pension or gratuity, unless there is an emergency case or another case that demands clinical priority. These priority treatment provisions were then extended to all veterans who have a condition that is likely to be related to their service.

As a result, veterans should receive priority treatment for health problems as a result of service to their country, unless there is an emergency case or another case that demands clinical priority.

Veterans should not be given priority treatment for conditions unrelated to service in the armed forces.

Further information is available via the link Here

Scotland's Service Directory

NHS Self Help Guides

Healthcare support

Veterans First Point was developed by veterans to help ex-service men and women and their families adjust to civilian life. This includes help with:

• physical and mental health and wellbeing
• family and relationships
• housing
• socialising
• education
• employment

They have drop-in centres across Scotland. Find your nearest centre.

Phone: 0131 221 7090

Find out about call charges

Email: V1P.Scotland@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Combat Stress gives free specialist treatment to ex-service men and women for mental health and stress problems.

Phone: 0800 138 1619

Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk

Prosthetics services

The National Prosthetics Service (NPS) is Scotland's centre for designing and fitting prosthetic (artificial) limbs. If you've lost a limb due to your service in the armed forces and were not fitted with a prosthetic at that time, you can discuss a referral to the NPS with your local GP.